SOMA Teacher Gets Shout Out From Gov. Murphy for His Work With SOMA NJ 3D Printers Alliance

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SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — Jake Ezzo, choir director for South Orange Middle School, was lauded today by Gov. Phil Murphy in his daily press briefing. Murphy held up Ezzo as an example of a New Jerseyan making a difference for others during the coronavirus pandemic.

Ezzo is a coordinator of the group NJ 3D Printers Alliance, which combines the efforts of local folks who own 3D printers in the creation and distribution of face shields for medical staff and first responders. He posted in the group this morning, "19,113 delivered as of this am! I think we will hit 20,000 this weekend!"

The Maplewood resident said he got the governor's attention when he posted a photo on Twitter about what the group was doing, and the @NJGov account messaged him.

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"Although I’m happy to be acknowledged, I’m happier that the entire [group] was acknowledged," said Ezzo. "It’s not a singular effort, and the incredible team of NJ printers we are working with has made small goals of 50 and taken the group to where we are. We wouldn’t be anywhere without them. I’m thankful for my town, my community, and my state!"

Murphy also thanked Ezzo on social media with the hashtag #NJThanksYou.

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